Best Authentic Restaurants in University City

26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Casa Don Alfonso - The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis restaurant

1. Casa Don Alfonso - The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis

4.3

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Clayton

Booked 51 times today

*2024 WINE SPECTATOR BEST OF AWARD OF EXCELLENCE*Renown Italian restaurateur Mario Laccarino is pleased to invite guests for a taste of the Sorrento Coast at Casa Don Alfonso. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, the menu tells the story of traditions passed down for generations in the family homes of southern Italy. These recipes come from a magical place, ripe with the culture and beauty of the Mediterranean. Alongside an unmistakable commitment to hospitality and service, Casa Don Alfonso brings hand-crafted flavors and carefully chosen ingredients with every bite.Family of Iaccarino honors the culinary heritage of the Campania region, with seasonal ingredients that closely resemble the sun-kissed produce harvested at the Iaccarino family’s farm. Fresh, handmade pastas create an edible narrative of the Iaccarino legacy, while whimsical desserts transport guests to Naples’ nostalgic bakeries. From Sorrento to St. Louis, we look forward to welcoming you soon.

A photo of Brasserie by Niche restaurant

2. Brasserie by Niche

4.8

Exceptional(4137)

Price: Moderate

• French • St. Louis

Booked 62 times today

Brasserie by Niche is located in the Central West End. We are open for dine-in, to-go, and delivery.

A photo of Dominics Trattoria restaurant

3. Dominics Trattoria

4.5

Awesome(469)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Clayton

Booked 8 times today

Dominic's Trattoria is a family-owned and operated authentic Italian restaurant since 1997. It is praised for its superb food, warm welcome, and consistent service. One reviewer highlighted the 'superb authentic meal' and the 'perfectly cooked' lamb chops. The restaurant serves a variety of Italian dishes, including Chicken Saltimbocca, Tenderloin Monte Carlo, and Linguini with Fresh Clams. The cozy atmosphere and the beautiful view of Shaw Park are also commended.

A photo of Lorenzo's Trattoria restaurant

4. Lorenzo's Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(2273)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • The Hill

Booked 22 times today

Lorenzo’s features Northern Italian fare with a touch of contemporary flavor. Look to our menu for some of the classics as well as some modern Italian cuisine less prevalent on The Hill. Look forward to experiencing the authentic house-made gnocchi and risottos; or our signature dish, braised Ossobuco; our guests' ever favorite, Chicken Spedini; or a couple of the staff favorites, the Grilled Barramundi or Fabulous Veal Picatta. At Lorenzo's the atmosphere is classy and laid-back. It is the type of restaurant where you can have a nice business dinner or enjoy a meal with the family. We offer two beautiful private rooms, The Boardroom, which seats up to 14 or The Chefs Table which seats up to 8. You may choose to enjoy our patio on a beautiful day and savor one of the great Italian wines off our extensive wine menu. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable no matter what meal or day you visit. We look forward to showing you all we can offer at Lorenzo's Trattoria.

A photo of Charlie Gitto's 'On the Hill' restaurant

5. Charlie Gitto's 'On the Hill'

4.8

Exceptional(7063)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • The Hill

Booked 62 times today

Charlie Gitto's On the Hill is a landmark for fine Italian dining in The Hill neighborhood of St. Louis.

6. Diego's Cantina

4.6

Exceptional(471)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • University City

Booked 7 times today

Owned and operated by Natasha Kwan, St. Louis Post Dispatch's Best Chef in St. Louis, our elevated Mexican restaurant blends vibrant flavors with a tropical atmosphere that feels like a vacation, taking you far from St. Louis. We’re located in a charming University City neighborhood, just steps from Clayton.Our menu features plates like queso flameado, costra and crunch tacos, enchiladas, nachos and a few Tex-Mex options. Cocktails and margaritas are crafted with fresh-squeezed juices and premium ingredients.  We offer all-day happy hour Tuesday through Thursday. We also accommodate parties of 10 or more for special celebrations. Other accolades: Best New Restaurant, A-List Restaurant (St. Louis Magazine)Best Queso (Ian Froeb of St. Louis Post-Dispatch)To Note: Gluten free friendly - our fryer is dedicated gluten free so eat all the chips you want!Many vegan optionsDog friendly patio and sidewalk

7. Acero

4.9

Exceptional(2722)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Maplewood

Booked 22 times today

Rustic Italian cuisine in the heart of Maplewood that features fresh ingredients from local farmers as well as an all Italian wine list.

8. Del Pietro's

4.9

Exceptional(1062)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Richmond Heights

Booked 21 times today

Del Pietro's is a casual affordable Italian restaurant serving fresh pastas, pizza, salads, antipasti, entrees, local beers, and a diverse wine list.

A photo of Clover and the Bee restaurant

9. Clover and the Bee

4.7

Exceptional(15)

Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Webster Groves

Booked 2 times today

A neighborhood café and wine bar from the people behind Olive + Oak, bringing you food & wine that is fresh, casual, and simple. A place where the service is efficient and the hospitality is heartfelt. We open early offering fresh baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and a seasonal breakfast menu. Our lunch menu features sandwiches, soups, and fresh salads. We open Thursday-Saturday evenings featuring an evolving menu of seasonal small plates from Executive Chef Mike Risk paired with wines that have been thoughtfully sourced to showcase the people that make them and the places they are from. A thoughtful list of local beer, cocktails and NA beverages are available to enjoy as well.Authentic. Unpretentious. Delicious.Walk in only for breakfast and lunch. Reservations recommended for dinner.

A photo of Maggiano's - St. Louis restaurant

10. Maggiano's - St. Louis

4.6

Exceptional(5161)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Richmond Heights

Booked 107 times today

Join us for lunch or dinner at Maggiano's Richmond Heights and savor the rich flavors of Italian-American dishes inspired by Nonna’s traditional recipes. The St. Louis Maggiano's is a centrally located restaurant with easy access to several freeways connecting us to all areas of the city and attractions, such as the Gateway Arch, the St. Louis Science Center, the St. Louis Zoo, and the local Sporting Arenas to name a few. Visit us at #2 The Boulevard St. Louis and book your reservation today!

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
james
St. Louis •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Blow your mind cocktails done perfectly. Not some basic Hotel cocktails put together by children. Know these were professional craft cocktail people. The Thanksgiving spread was second to none possibly the best I’ve seen around the world.
More info
Casa Don Alfonso - The Ritz-Carlton St. LouisPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Clayton
•
4.3
L
Lisa
St. Louis •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Amazing dinner and had an amazing server, Todd! Can’t say enough about Suzanne, the manager. Her hospitality was superb. We will be back.
More info
Charlie Gitto's 'On the Hill'Price: Expensive• Italian• The Hill
•
4.8
D
Derieck
St. Louis •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We always love Brasserie but this was extra special. My wife and I celebrated our anniversary and I dropped a note about that in the reservation request. Our server, Jessica, helped provide a great experience, We had a beautiful spot in the restaurant (flowers and sparkling wine awaiting), great found and drink, and another reminder of why this is one of our favorite spots. Add this place to our list!
More info
Brasserie by NichePrice: Moderate• French• St. Louis
•
4.8
M
michael
Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
First time to Lorenzo’s from the time walking in the door employees made you feel welcome and like family. The food and service were amazing. Will be coming back soon.
More info
Lorenzo's TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• The Hill
•
4.7
TK
TK719
New York City •770 reviews
5.0
Dined on 15 Nov 2024
Absolutely lovely dining experience at Dominics. The restaurant is so warm and cozy. I enjoyed the delicious halibut special as well as the amazing homemade tiramisu. The service was excellent and the prices most reasonable. I look forward to returning.
More info
Dominics TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Clayton
•
4.5

Best Authentic Restaurants in University City

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Accessibility

26 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Don Alfonso - The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis

2. Brasserie by Niche

3. Dominics Trattoria

4. Lorenzo's Trattoria

5. Charlie Gitto's 'On the Hill'

6. Diego's Cantina

7. Acero

8. Del Pietro's

9. Clover and the Bee

10. Maggiano's - St. Louis

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable